The Catch

Sooo I like marketing. Scratch that. I love marketing. Its one of my favorite things about my chosen career-path. Everyday I have to give people enough reason to go from Point A to Point B (and to spend their moolah when they arrive at "B.") Its a challenge- but I find it rewarding.

Church is the same way. A lot of churches try the "McDonald's method," build an awesome playground and try to create a super kid-friendly environment and hope the kids will drag the parents. Some churches have basketball goals to attract neighborhood hoopsters. Others offer knitting classes in an effort to rake in the GramGrams of the world. Some churches actually use traditional media marketing (TV, radio, print) to get folks to walk through their doors. Lots of people have lots of opinions on this matter, but I usually stick with a "Hey Dude- Whatever It Takes" policy (within reason.)

That brings us to the Tavern Church. We don't have basketball goals or knitting classes, but we do have...beer! (We also have phenomenal music and incredible teaching, but nevermind that point right now.) So, Josh Florence our great friend, former Road Rules star, and City Tavern owner has graciously offered to do $1 Shiner Bocks and BUY1GET1FREE entrees (at the upstairs bar) beginning at 7pm on nights of Tavern Church services. Hey dude, whatever it takes.

The last Sunday night of every month (from 745-855) we have the Tavern Church upstairs at the City Tavern (Main & Akard) in downtown Dallas. And, that means its coming up THIS SUNDAY NIGHT. I can't wait to see you there.

Come on out. Grab a beer. Listen to some cool tunes. Hear the Word.

Tavern Church Music

I love John David Kent. I love his music, his heart, and his friendship. He is one of those guys that God brought into my life AND THEN QUICKLY revealed the reason. We connect. And I like to think we bring out the best in each other.

One of the best aspects of each Tavern Church service is, without a doubt, the music. It's not stuck in 1980, or 1880, and it doesn't sound like a Coldplay cover band. JDK and the Tavern Church Praise Ensemble (that's not really their name I'm just successfully trying to be hilarious) are incredible. You'd have to pay to see these guys play anywhere else. Dave Ponder, Mike Talley, Nine-digit Nate, (and lately Jason Andrew) are a local all-star band of sorts. And they're ours.

But back to JDK. His resume is ridiculous. Played Lollapalooza? Check. Been on Conan O'Brien? Check. Lunched with Madonna? Check. Been snubbed by Axl Rose at a house party? Check. Had a major label record deal? Check. Hung with Snoop Dogg? Check.

Here's a link to a clip last week of JDK and former bandmate Ben Kweller from the KHYI studios. Hopefully it'll whet your appetite for the next Tavern Church service: Sunday, May 30 at 7:45...

JDK & Ben Kweller

"Oh What A Night" -Frankie Valli

The Tavern Church rocked last night. John David Kent had to take the night off to tend to his family as his grandfather passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. Chance Cody was able to fill in and did a great job. Steve Bezner did a great job teaching on what "fear" of God really means and how that is a great source of power and courage for us.

We'll do it all over again May 30. I can't wait!

Treasure Hunting

I like books. In fact, I read so much as a child that my mother thought there might be something wrong with me. Social skills aside, she was wrong.

In all seriousness, I fared ok socially. But, I loved the new horizons, the heroes, the villains, the just-barely-on-the-edge-of-my-library-chair plot that books afforded me. I loved sports and music, but books held a special place in my heart.

So, now I'm an adult. Too much of an adult. While I don't go shoot free-throws in the driveway every night anymore, I do still crack open books frequently. In fact, I'm reading several simultaneously right now that I'd love to recommend to you (Crazy Love by Francis Chan, still churning through the last part of Walk On by Steve Stockman, and Searching For God and Guinness by Stephen Mansfield.)

But, I want to rewind the clock a few months. Back to early December. Kimmer's dad, Rick, asked (via Kimmer) what I wanted for Christmas. I hate that question. I have so much. More than I deserve. I feel greedy answering. So, I decided to go the comedy route. (Allow me to digress for a moment- I'm not sure why I ever go the comedy route. It usually results in confusion and/or hurt feelings, while rarely ever resulting in the desired goal, laughter. Yet, I keep going the comedy route. Probably always will. So, don't be too sensitive around me.) So anyway, to answer Rick's question I replied, "all I want is buried pirate treasure." When asked if I was serious I assured them I was. (Even though I was simply trying to make someone somewhere laugh.)

A week or so after Christmas my package arrived from sunny San Clemente, Ca. I had no clue what Rick sent me. But low and behold it was approximately a dozen or so books on "how to find buried treasure." I kinda think he went to Amazon.com and bought every book they had on the subject and sent it to me.

So, someday soon, when I am all caught up on my reading, I'm gonna crack open these books and become a treasure hunting expert. I'm certain I will make millions upon millions and probably start taking even more time returning your calls and emails. I may even start going by a pirate name.

Seriously, we've already got a treasure book. This book points us to a treasure more vast, expansive, glorious, and valuable than anything any pirate ever buried. The book is our Bible. Come find your treasure (or find out how to find your treasure) at the Tavern Church. Yes, it's church. Yes, it's in a bar. You can grab a beer and hear the Word. No pressure. Just incredible music and a wonderful message. Oh yeah, it's fun too.

See you at the next Tavern Church service. Sunday night, April 25 at 7:45 at the City Tavern at Main St & Akard in downtown Dallas.

Last Night Rocked

It was great! Thanks to everyone that came out to the Tavern Church. The band was wonderful and David Ponder may be only guy in town going back and forth between a Les Paul and a Banjo. Dr. Bezner delivered a great message about how the "Kingdom of God" is not simply something we experience when we die and go to heaven- it can be part of our reality now...

I'm excited to do it all again on Sunday, April 25.

Stay tuned for news on our upcoming community project when we feed the guys at Soul's Harbor in a couple of weeks.

New high-budget Hollywood promotional video for the Tavern Church...

I've been trying to upload a new TAVERN CHURCH promotional video but have been having technical issues...so in the mean time, copy and paste the link below...

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/558766f694fbdb474e6a1e4882e4c3d0/video/12024352

See you guys tomorrow!

For all you LOST fans...

We FINALLY got a glimpse into the backstory of the ageless wonder Richard Alpert in last night's episode. For some perspective on it from the Tavern Church's pastor, Dr. Steve Bezner, click here:

http://bit.ly/c4v7UJ